Unlike the existing mall, the new stores and lodging options will
be in a "boutique" style. The expansion will also add up to 8,000 parking
spaces.

The mall has become something of a shopping destination for
wealthy tourists from Asia and Europe, and international visitors
have been known to spend up to 2.5 times more than domestic
customers,
according to the Pioneer Press.

Management wants to cater to these higher-income customers by
putting an emphasis on luxury retailers and by offering features
like valet parking, a wellness center, multiple spas, a permanent
museum-quality exhibition space.

They've already added a
Radisson Blu Hotel, which is part of an Radisson's upscale
chain. The mall is also looking to up the quality of its food
offerings; food courts will be known as "food halls" and menus
will feature less pizza and soda in favor of
more sushi and wine.

The expansion will end up
costing about $2.5 billion in total and will take place in
several stages,
according to the Pioneer Press.The first phase of construction will begin
this fall and will cost about $250 million, adding about 50 new
stores and expanding the mall to the north.

The Pioneer Press also reports that among the new amenities
will be a state-of-the-art
water park and accompanying resort with 300 to 400 rooms
andan NHL-sized indoor
skating rink.

Check out some renderings of the expansion below:

An artist's rendering of the proposed Phase II
expansion once it is finished.via
Mall of America